March 27, 2010

LOS ANGELES - The top governing body of the 325,000 member California Teachers Association has voted to support State Attorney General Jerry Brown in his bid for governor, Assemblymember Tom Torlakson for Superintendent of Public Instruction, as well as other candidates for other constitutional offices for the 2010 election.

“Jerry Brown is the choice of educators because he has shown himself to be committed to ensuring all students have a quality education and providing public schools and colleges with the resources they need to succeed,” said CTA President David A. Sanchez. “California needs a leader who fully understands the problems that threaten the stability of our state and who knows what is needed to resolve them. We think Jerry Brown is the only candidate who will make public education a real priority and understands that an investment in education is an investment in our future.”

CTA’s State Council of Education also voted to support Assemblymember Tom Torlakson for Superintendent of Public Instruction. “Tom is a former teacher who has been a true champion of public education as a legislator. He has carried legislation to increase funding for textbooks, and worked with CTA to sponsor the Quality Education Investment Act, which has directed nearly $3 billion for proven classroom reforms to assist lower performing schools rather than sanctions. CTA wholeheartedly gives its support to his campaign,” Sanchez said.

In other races, the State Council voted to support San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom for Lieutenant Governor and state Assembly Member Dave Jones for Insurance Commissioner and Chris Parker and Jerome Horton for Board of Equalization, Second and Fourth Districts, respectively. Earlier this year, State Council voted to support the re-election of Debra Bowen for the office of Secretary of State, John Chiang for State Controller, Bill Lockyer for State Treasurer, Betty Yee for the State Board of Equalization, First District, and Barbara Boxer for United State Senator.

The State Council of Education is comprised of nearly 800 democratically elected teacher representatives from across the state and meets quarterly in Los Angeles to make policy for the organization.

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The 325,000 member CTA is affiliated with the 2.7 million member National Education Association.